1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
